The first night of Firefly drew bigger than expected crowds as thousands of people roamed The Woodlands, listening to the first dozen bands scheduled.

“We’re surprised, too,” said Firefly official Jordan Diehl when asked about the crowds that started lining up well ahead of the doors opening at 5 p.m. yesterday. “We think about half of the campers are already here. It’s a good thing, though. It means traffic will be even better than we thought over the next few days.

Despite the surprise influx of people, the crowds were enthusiastic and relaxed. Some, like 32-year-old Carl McMinn, traveled a great distance to see bands like the Foo Fighters.

“It’s what I work for,” he explained. “I’ve gone as far as Arizona before for a festival and next month, I’m going to Detroit to see Eminem. Of course, I could have seen Foo Fighters at Voodoo [Festival] but the lineup didn’t get released until after I was coming here. Whatever. I’m happy to be here.”

Last night, the lineup included Kodaline, Parade of Lights, Courtney Barnett, Amos Lee and Local Natives. Amos Lee hit The Lawn at 9:45 p.m., signing songs from his latest album and putting his own spin on songs like “Fat Bottom Girls” by Queen and Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.”

Today’s lineup includes 38 performances across seven stages. The main stage boasts a mere five acts, including Iron and Wine, Artic Monkeys, Bleachers, Kongos and Foo Fighters. Other acts include Portugal the Man, Young the Giant, Girl Talk, White Denim and Mean Lady.

Close to 80,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival, more than doubling the number of people who attended the inaugural event in 2012.

A press conference featuring Gov. Jack Markell and Firefly Director Greg Bostrom will take place on the grounds at 2:30 p.m. They will discuss festival changes and expansion, the impact on the state, 2015 plans and more.